Facilitators and Barriers to Independent Living in Thai Urban Elderly People: A Qualitative Study
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Abstract
Nowadays, elderly people tend to live alone or only with their spouses because of the changes in social structures, Thai families often become nuclear families. Therefore, independent living skills are increasingly essential for those individuals. The objective of the study was to investigate the facilitators and barriers to independent living in Thai urban elderly people. In-depth interviews using a qualitative study design were conducted. Sixteen participants with elderly people in Bangkok and metropolitan areas were recruited by convenience sampling method which aligns with the established criteria. The qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis with conclusions drawn upon reaching data saturation.The results of the study found that the facilitators to independent living among Thai urban elderly people include both good physical and mental health, perceived self-efficacy, sufficient financial resources, home and community facilities, convenient transportation, and family and social supports. The barriers include degenerative changes in physical health, responsibility to take care for ill or disabled family members, and insufficient funds to cover expenses. Understanding these factors will help professionals provide proper guidance in the planning process in order to promote good quality of life and improve capabilities of Thai urban elderly people to live independently in the future.
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